Manchester gets its own ‘reality show’ with Queen City Stampede

By DALE VINCENTNew Hampshire Union Leader

MANCHESTER — If the format of the Queen City Stampede sounds like the CBS reality show “The Amazing Race,” the similarities are deliberate. But the Queen City Stampede race on Sept. 21 can be accomplished in a few hours and by teams with one participant as young as 8 years old.

Event consultant Ami D’Amelio said the fundraiser will benefit the Holy Cross Family Learning Center and is an opportunity to test clue-deciphering, challenge-mastering and cellphone photo-taking-and-sending skills.

For an additional fee, participants can register to compete with a reality show celebrity — including Richard Hatch and Bob Crowley from “Survivor,” Michelle Costa from “Big Brother” and David and Mary Conley from “The Amazing Race” — and attend a VIP After Party as their guest.

D’Amelio said the goal is for the stampede to become an annual fundraiser for the learning center, which was founded in 2010. The 438 Dubuque St. center provides educational opportunities, strengthens family values and fosters community among Manchester’s immigrant and refugee populations, especially on the city’s West Side.

D’Amelio said the event is designed so families can participate.

Registration will be at 8:30 a.m. at Veterans Park, at Elm and Merrimack streets, with the first “wave” of teams getting their first clue and setting off at 9 a.m. Participants will get a T-shirt, medal, bib and reusable water bottle. Winner’s circle prizes packages are valued at $250, $150 and $50 for each of six divisions.

Registration is open at www.queencitystampede.com. By using the promotional code AMAZING (all caps), registrants can save $60 on current team registration fees.